Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) research are emerging in the last few years providing non-invasive, wireless and low-cost ElectroEncephaloGraphy (EEG) devices. The increasing study of neurosciences and the need to respond to specific human brain diseases are two important factors to this evolution.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

"Human-Computer Interface Technologies for the Motor Impaired" is the most recent book from Dinesh Kumar and Sridhar Arjunan that examines both the technical and social aspects of Human-Computer Interface (HCI).

This book introduces to the concept of HCI, identifies and describes the fundamentals associated with a specific technology of HCI, and provides examples for each. It is presented with the following chapters:

Human-computer interface: Mechanical sensors;

Brain-computer interface based on thought waves and Evoked potentials-based;

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

The School of Health Sciences offers advanced training courses in medicine, health sciences and medical education. The fundamentals of neuroscience are one of them where it is possible to learn and understand better several subjects related with BCI/EEG.

Some of the goals are to describe the anatomical and functional relations between major brain areas, to identify the cell types of the nervous system and also to describe the physical and functional interactions between them and explain their role in the nervous system.

The 15 days program, for graduate students and postdocs, include some labs-on sessions and is focused on various subjects such as:

Saturday, September 12, 2015

AutoNOMOS Labs is a German company that is working on a modular system for the operation of autonomous or semi-autonomous cars.

Using AutoNOMOS, it is be possible to detect impending dangers on roads, highways, and crossings at an early stage and accidents can be prevented. Once the technology is ready, it will be introduced at first on private property and, finally, in public traffic. The project will make a significant contribution to the development of accident-free, efficient, and environmentally friendly mobility.

In the following video we can see the use of the device EPOC from the Emotiv company. By reading the brain electrical signals recorded at the level of the scalp (EEG) it is possible to identify patterns of behavior. In this particular case driver intentions are identified to turn left, turn right and also accelerate or brake.

At this moment tests are being carried out on a large place as the airport runway. In my understanding this "car technology" will need time to grow up until a complete solution can be used in a real scenario within our roads.
Not advancing a date in concrete, one day will be possible to think something like: "Stop here and park on the right side!" :-)

The great advantages explored and presented by this system are related to the brain's ability to improve, the measuring mental performance, the strengthening the optimal brain state and the training into practice that constantly pushes the brain activity into a stronger position.

I confess I am a little apprehensive about the results obtained with this commercial solution but nothing better than reading the published case studies as Kerri Walsh Jennings, Carlos Quentin or UCLA Golf and take your conclusions.

Tuesday, September 08, 2015

The Swartz Center for Computational NeuroScience (SCCN) as provided an online course on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) design with a focus on modern methods. Christian Kothe is the video speaker and the course includes basics of EEG, BCI, signal processing, machine learning, and also contains tutorials on using BCILAB and the lab streaming layer software.

Monday, September 07, 2015

Would you like to know the trends and investment in Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Market until 2020? According to the report by Allied Market Research entitled, "Global Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Market - Size, Industry Analysis, Trends, Opportunities, Growth and Forecast, 2013-2020", this market is expected to reach $1.460.000.000 until 2020.

A global rise in the count of brain disorders along with the increasing government funding to improve healthcare systems, would supplement the growth of this market. The non-invasive BCI technology accounted for about 85% of the total BCI market revenue in 2013, and demonstrate a steady growth in future, thus, eliminating the need to perform surgeries and implant BCI devices.

This study analysis the global BCI market which is expected an imminent investment. It also present the market segmentation by type, application and geography. Read the free reportcreated by Allied Market Research.

Sunday, September 06, 2015

NeuroTechX is a bottom-up initiative to create an international neurotech hackers network. This community aim to provide key resources and learning opportunities contributing "to better understanding and to improving who we are".

A group of 9 people promote neurotechnology fields organizing events such as meetups, hackathons and workshops:

Saturday, September 05, 2015

Here is an excellent example of neuroplasticity where the brain reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. In this funny and simple experience the wheel of the bicycle was changed, reversing the direction of intention. The instantaneous result was the expected: Falls to the ground!

But the most interesting is how our brain, after some days or weeks, is able to adapt to this new reality. Especially if you are a child! :-)

Friday, September 04, 2015

Neuromore is a new research brain tool to capture and analyze bio signals in real-time. Its possible to visualize brain waves activity, export data captured or control some devices around using multiple simultaneous biosensors. Three different components can be used: Engine, Studio and Cloud as described below.

After 25 minutes of downloading and installing it in my windows system I've tried to run the application and ... surprise: It crashed!!! Then I changed the firewall settings, antivirus, the installation folder permissions, etc but the problem remained. After sending 3 error reports to Neuromore I hope to have soon the resolution to this problem!

Neuromore is a new research brain tool to capture and analyze bio signals in real-time. Its possible to visualize brain waves activity, export data captured or control some devices around using multiple simultaneous biosensors. Three different components can be used: Engine, Studio and Cloud as described below.

After 25 minutes of downloading and installing it in my windows system I've tried to run the application and ... surprise: It crashed!!! Then I changed the firewall settings, antivirus, the installation folder permissions, etc but the problem remained. After sending 3 error reports to Neuromore I hope to have soon the resolution to this problem!

Wednesday, September 02, 2015

I give knowledge of an email I received from Jane Huggins, PhD, BCI Meeting Chair, about the 6th International BCI Meeting calling for workshops.

Up to 15 workshops will be held in each
time slot and will be devoted to 3 hour workshops that will run concurrently. Each workshop will engage 10-40 participants and focus on a specific
topic. Workshops can combine invited talks, targeted discussions,
demonstrations, hands-on exercises and/or sharply focused debates as the leaders
see fit. Workshop organization should include the participation of senior
researchers to ensure proper coverage of the topic.

Researchers and/or practitioners wishing
to organize workshops should submit an informal 5-line workshop description to
workshops@meetings.bcisociety.org for pre-acceptance. These short descriptions
will be screened to minimize topic overlaps and to join groups together.

Tuesday, September 01, 2015

OpenBCI is a group of researchers, engineers, scientists, designers, etc, that "shares a passion for harnessing the electrical signals of the human brain and body to further understand and expand who we are".